Lincoln-- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commends Nebraska State Senators Adam Morfeld, Sara Howard, and Jeremy Nordquist for introducing and sponsoring LGBT rights legislation. Three bills—presented separately-- would prohibit LGBT workplace discrimination, allow loving same-sex couples to become foster parents and give access to second parent adoption. HRC Nebraska believes the time is now to improve the lived experiences of LGBT Nebraskans who are our neighbors, friends, family members and coworkers.

“A welcome mat must be dropped at Nebraska’s front door step to tell the nation our state is a place for all people. It is imperative that LGBT people have legal protections, and a fair chance  to reach their goals and desires, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, “ said HRC Nebraska Field Organizer Drew Heckman. “As a native of the Cornhusker State, I encourage and strongly urge the Nebraska legislature to advance equality. This is a critical moment to move our state forward.”

In 2014, HRC commissioned a survey of LGBT people in the state.  The assessment shows LGBT people are contributing members of their communities, but face daunting amounts of discrimination. Key findings from the survey show 57 percent of respondents have called the state home for more than 20 years, more than half are in committed relationships, and 59 percent volunteer in their respective communities. However, the survey also found 41 percent have experienced harassment at work, more than one in five have experienced employment discrimination and one-third of LGBT respondents in rural areas have experienced harassment in school on a weekly basis. The survey also discovered 22 percent of respondents have experienced harassment at their place of worship and 57 percent have experienced harassment on the street.

HRC Nebraska is working to pass enduring legal protections for LGBT people in housing, employment and public accommodations; improve the lived experience of LGBT people in workplaces and faith communities; prevent harassment and violence against LGBT people; reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS; and support LGBT youth in schools.